China-based life sciences company Fapon has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with two Swiss biotech companies LASCCO SA and Abionic SA, that have granted Fapon an exclusive license to utilise the pancreatic stone protein (PSP) biomarker for sepsis diagnosis in China.

This strategic partnership will enable Fapon to engage in the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialisation of PSP raw materials and chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA)-based reagent solutions within the Chinese market.

PSP, as a reliable biomarker to predict sepsis, has been patented in many countries. The PSP immunoassay has obtained CE mark approval under the In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices (IVDR) regulations, Australian registration, and FDA 510(k) clearance is expected in 2024. By leveraging their respective expertise in technology, medicine and market, the three companies will join forces in the rapid screening and clinical diagnosis of sepsis, as well as providing guidelines for antibiotic use.

This strategic partnership will usher in a significant breakthrough in the medical field, removing barriers to early sepsis diagnosis. Performing PSP testing on high-risk individuals can flag potential sepsis before the onset of clinical symptoms. Early detection enables timely intervention and treatment, leading to reduced risks of organ dysfunction, improved survival rates, and optimized allocation of medical resources.

PSP is a reliable early marker of sepsis. Moreover, the use of rapid point-of-care (POC) tests to measure PSP levels presents a significant advantage for patients who need intensive sepsis risk management.